Monday, October 22, 2018
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of FSCC
Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Forum Begins 6:00 p.m.
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Candidates’ Forum for the 2018 General Election will be held Monday, October 22nd at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and the forum will begin at 6 pm. Attendees are invited to arrive early to meet and greet the candidates.
Races that have been invited to the forum include Governor/Lt. Governor, U.S. House of Representatives District 2, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, Kansas Senate District 13, Kansas House of Representatives Districts 2 and 4, State Board of Education District, Bourbon County Commissioner District 1, Bourbon County Attorney, and Bourbon County Treasurer.
The general public may submit questions to the Chamber prior to the event by submitting them via email to [email protected] or dropping them off at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall Street, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 22nd. There will also be information presented at the forum on the “Liquor by the Drink” local issue that will be on the ballot for Bourbon County.
The forum will run in the hierarchy of offices from the federal, state, then local level. Candidates will have the opportunity to make a one-minute opening statement and two-minute closing statement. Three questions will be asked of each candidate, with each candidate being allowed one minute to respond. Individuals representing candidates, not in attendance will be given an opportunity to make up to a three-minute statement.
For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.
10:45-11:00-Christi Keating-Mercy EMS and Mercy closing
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of non-elected personnel-30 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30-2:00-Joe and Barbara Peine-Memorial for Harold Coleman
2:00-2:15-Bill Martin-purchase of fence
2:15-2:25-Future of Bourbon County Health Care Update
2:25-2:40-Executive Session-Preliminary discussion relating to the acquisition of real property
2:40-3:00-Executive Session-Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
This is part of a series featuring candidates in the Nov. 6 election.
State Representatives, 4th District (vote for one)
Lawrence Forbach 305 Dement Street Mound City 66056 Democratic
Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Rd Fort Scott 66701 Republican
Name: Trevor Jacobs
Age: 42
Candidate for the position of 4th District Kansas House of Representatives
Place of residence: Fort Scott Ks
Current occupation: BNSF Railway
Community involvement:
Preach on KMDO 1600 AM, KOMB 103.9 FM, Sunday mornings, for the radio broadcast Jesus Saves Ministries, preach at Linn County, Mound City Jail, Fort Scott Country Place, Fort Scott Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott Medical Lodge, and have a Bible outreach program, with Jesus Saves Ministries.
Party affiliation: Republican
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
To stand for our God-given rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I stand to protect our constitutional freedoms. To stand for true American and Kansas traditional values that have made this nation and state great. I stand for the life of the preborn and the protection of the elderly. I stand unashamedly for Biblical morality. I stand for our God-given right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property from government intrusion.
2) Give your views on food sales tax:
I oppose sales tax on food. I voted every time to abolish the sales tax on food. This issue had been introduced and debated multiple times, in the Kansas House Chamber and was voted down everytime by the liberal fringes of both parties. If it wasn’t for partisan politics this issue would have already been resolved.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I oppose legalizing marijuana.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
This is a very important topic and issue and when considering the future of our healthcare system, the state has put itself in obligation to provide a safety net of healthcare to the elderly, disabled, and the poor. This program is taxpayer funded. It is extremely important to maintain the mindset that there must be serious checks and balances and a degree of accountability with the healthcare programs. Healthcare is not about the quantity of recipients on a particular plan, but of the quality of healthcare that the recipients are receiving.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I oppose the murder of children in the womb and I strongly believe it is contrary to the traditional values of the Founding Fathers and documents of this nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” God has formed and created every person for a purpose and a plan.
As for Planned Parenthood, I believe they do not deserve any taxpayer money…given the chance, I would vote to defund Planned Parenthood.
There will be no Friday night show this week due to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta activities, according to Ralph Carlson, coordinator for the Friday night concert.
The public is encouraged to visit Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, located at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Streets on Saturday and Sunday where musicians will be entertaining the attendees.
There will be music in the entertainment tent at the festival, starting at 10 am Saturday, Carlson said.
The following is the list of music events.
Saturday
10 am Mike Lundeen on the keyboard. Old time music
11:45 am Sekanaires Quartet
1 pm Leta and Mike Miller
2 pm to 4, open mike with walk-ons welcome.
Sunday
9 am Rev Paul Rooks- Grace Baptist Church worship service
10:15 am Fuss and Feathers with Don and Mim Carlson and Ralph Carlson
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Jeff Caldwell/ Mary Gerlt 4900 W 108th St, Apt. 1202 Leawood 66211 Libertarian
Rick Kloos/Nathaniel Kloos 5339 SW 22nd Pl. Topeka 66614 Independent
Greg Orman/John Doll 18001 W 106th St Olathe 66061 Independent
Name:Jeff Caldwell
Age: 32
Candidate for the position of Governor of Kansas
Place of residence: Leawood, Kansas
Current occupation: Sales
Community involvement: Volunteer for Harvesters, Food Banks, and Food Pantries
Party affiliation: Libertarian
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The Kansas government spends way too much money and is $3.2 billion in debt. It’s time for Kansas to stop borrowing money from different agencies and stealing from KPERS. I will work with the legislators to responsibly cut government spending, abolish unnecessary agencies like the Board of Cosmetology, and eliminate overburdensome regulations and red tape. I will also look at returning state responsibilities back to local city governments and find ways to have nonprofit organizations take over some services provided by the state.
2)Give your views on food sales tax:
Kansas is one of only seven states in the entire United States that taxes food without a reduced rate or no rate at all. Kansas has one of the highest tax rates on food in the entire United States. Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado have a reduced tax rate on food. Oregon and Montana have no tax on food. Having some of the highest sales tax on food in the nation is a burden on everyone. My platform includes abolishing the tax on food and water, lowering private property taxes, and abolishing the income tax for the service industry.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I am the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to fully legalize cannabis. I am also the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to pardon all nonviolent cannabis offenses. Earlier this year, Kansas passed a $525 million school funding increase. The politicians in Topeka have not told us how they are going to pay for it or how they are going to improve our economic outlook. The unemployment rate in Kansas has been stuck at 3.4% for over 6 months; however, the Kansas legislators are telling us an improving economy will cover the funding. I want to use funds from full legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, hemp, and sports betting to cover the cost.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
I am running to keep Medicaid at current levels while cutting government regulations to allow free market solutions to health care [not privatization like Brownback, which created government granted monopolies]. This means more direct primary care doctors, ushering in coverage from insurance companies out of state, allowing more nonprofit organizations to enter health care, and allowing for importation of medicine from other countries. Having more doctors who do not require health insurance allows for there to be more doctors able to perform tasks without charge and have more flexible payments for people who cannot afford treatment. This offsets costs from catastrophic injuries and sickness. If we can cut enough government spending, and Medicaid expansion passes the house and senate, I will sign the bill for expansion. I will work to ensure expansion does not create more red tape and operates closer to a free market than having corporate or government monopolies on health care.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I would like to keep abortion laws the same as they are. To stop polarizing politics, I support allowing Kansans to choose where their tax dollars are spent. If a citizen does not want their tax dollars to go to Planned Parenthood, they should not be forced to fund Planned Parenthood. Furthermore, if a citizen believes in funding Planned Parenthood, they should be allowed to direct their tax dollars to Planned Parenthood.
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer
Place of residence: Lawrence, KS
Current occupation:
Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing
Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.
Party affiliation:Kansas Democratic Party
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it:The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.
I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.
Give your views on food sales-tax:The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana:As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.
Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid:Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.
This is part of a series on the candidates for the general election November 6.
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)
Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican
Name: Kelly Standley
Age: 49
Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives 2nd District Kansas
Place of residence: Saint Paul, Kansas
Current occupation: Business owner and job creator
Community involvement:
Homeless shelter where we help to clothe, feed, find jobs and give them a place to stay while doing all this.
Party affiliation: Libertarian
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it? The biggest issue I see for Kansas is we need more jobs in the rural areas. Right now if people in the rural areas of Kansas want a job they may have to move to a larger city. We need jobs available to our residents, not that farming does not employ a large number of people but as we automate there will be a need for jobs that do not involve farming. As a Federal Representative for the people in the 2nd District, I will seek out companies looking to expand and help guide them to the right areas of Kansas that need those jobs.
2) Give your views on food sales tax:
Considering the fact that Kansans pay a higher sales tax on food than most other States I am for lowering the tax. Here is my problem with doing that though, will the stores take advantage of that and see an opportunity to raise prices on products so they can have a better bottom line? Some large retail stores advertise they are lowering prices on products but what they don’t say is that when they lower prices on select items they raise prices on other items to make up the difference. I know this to be true, I have worked large retail before and I never thought that was fair to the consumer.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I lived in Colorado for several years and I saw the downside to legalizing it, but I can say that the downside came when they made it open for recreational use. At the same time I saw new schools being built, a larger number of law enforcement agencies having staff and supplies they needed. I saw hospitals not worrying about how patients were going to pay a bill. I would support putting this option on a national ballot for the people in each state to vote on and decide if it is what they want. The Federal Government has no place regulating this product and it should be left up to the states individually.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
Medicaid needs to be addressed and no more hospitals like Mercy in Fort Scott, Independence should have to close down because of Medicaid shortfalls. I would like to see the State of Kansas come up with a solution that works for the hospitals instead of against them. Hospitals in rural areas are very important to their communities and we have no time to play around when lives are at risk!
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I’m for women having choices to do what they want with their bodies but I am also not for abortion. What I would like to see is instead of the Federal Government pushing Planned Parenthood agencies to have specific quota numbers for abortions. It would be more beneficial to see Planned Parenthood work with adoption agencies to get children adopted and not aborted.
This is part of a series featuring candidates for the Nov. 6 election.
United States House of Representatives, 2nd District (vote for one)
Paul Davis P.O. Box 944 Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Steve Watkins 6021 SW 29th St, Ste A Box 150 Topeka 66614 Republican
Steve Watkins
Name: Steve Watkins
Age: 42
Candidate for the position of U.S. House of Representatives, KS-02
Place of Residence: Topeka, Kansas
Current Occupation: Engineer
Community involvement: Member, Philip Billard VFW Post 1650
Party affiliation: Republican
Policy Questions
1. What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The most important and biggest issues our nation faces today are protecting Social Security and Medicare, keeping taxes low, and securing our southern border. What stands in the way of these pivotal issues for the American people is the partisan obstruction by Democrats. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, I spent years leading diverse groups of people through difficult situations. In order to work toward solutions to our most prevalent issues, we must elect leaders that are willing to work across the aisle and put aside their party labels for the betterment of the American people.
2. Give your views on a food sales tax:
While I personally oppose sales tax on food, there are currently no sales taxes on food or anything else at the federal level. Sales taxes are all levied at the state a local level, so those are the choices of state and local leaders. In Congress, I would oppose any
efforts to impose a federal sales tax. Further, while my opponent has advocated to repeal some of the recent tax cuts signed into law by President Trump. I would seek to make them permanent for hard working Kansans.
3. Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
Although I am not personally in favor of legalizing marijuana for recreational use, I am also a strong believer in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution and I believe this is an ultimately a state’s rights issue. However, I am sympathetic to the push to legalize
marijuana strictly for medicinal purposes. As a Veteran myself, I have read many studies that suggest medical marijuana can help veterans struggling with PTSD, as well as to treat symptoms of serious illness and other conditions. I believe further research
should be done in this area.
4. Give your views on health care in our state, including Medicaid:
First and foremost, Congress must repeal and replace Obamacare and work together toward a patient-centered healthcare system that protects those with pre-existing conditions, reduces costs, promotes competition in the marketplace, and gives patients
more control over their health care. Obamacare did the opposite. Introducing crippling tax mandates and excessive regulations that were geared more toward an urban setting than a rural setting. This has unfairly targeted rural areas and has had a very negative
impact on our rural hospitals leading to a loss of access as was recently demonstrated here in Fort Scott. Lower quality of health care, fewer choices, and skyrocketing premiums is not “Affordable Care”. While Medicaid expansion is one possible short term
fix, the real solution to our healthcare system is building a new system that allows for more choices and more adaptability to the individual patient and the individual healthcare setting.
5. Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am and always have been committed to protecting the sanctity of life, at all costs. By signing the National Right To Life Pledge, I vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and to never vote for pro-choice legislation in Washington. My opponent, on
the other hand, has a long record of voting against life, including votes in support of late-term abortions. Planned Parenthood, a major donor to the Democratic Party, is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. It is unacceptable that over 500 million
taxpayer dollars is given to Planned Parenthood year after year. I have been endorsed by both Kansans for Life and the National Right to Life Committee. As your congressman, I will never vote for the pro-choice legislation.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to come out this weekend for the Pioneer Harvest Festival. Activities for everyone, all weekend long! See flyer below for Calendar of Events.
The Uniontown FFA Chapter traveled to Sedan, Kansas on Friday, October 12th to compete in the Southeast District FFA Horse Evaluation competition.
After placing four haltered classes, two performance classes and presenting two sets of oral reasons, Uniontown was named the first place team in the Freshman/Sophomore division.
The team was made up of all freshman including Gwen Fry was the high individual overall, Kristy Beene who was 6th individually, Colton Robinson who was 9th, Addie Martin, Bryce Eck, Jakeob Stewart, Zach Snyder, Thomas Snider, and Connor Gregg.
There will be an organizational meeting for a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron on Saturday, October 20 at 10 am. The meeting will be held downstairs in Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall and is open to any male descendant of an honorably discharged Veteran.
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron is a part of the American Legion family, but it develops its own local community service programs and projects. The SAL offers an opportunity for the sons and grandsons of Veterans to honor their Veteran ancestor while giving back to the community.
Sons, grandsons and great-grandsons of honorably discharged Veterans are eligible for SAL membership.
SAL membership eligibility can be confusing as I cannot join the SAL though my own military service. My SAL eligibility is through my grandfather’s military service in World War 1. My sons and grandsons can join the SAL through my military service.
If you have any questions about joining the SAL or if you have questions about your eligibility, email me at [email protected] or call me at 904.553.1848.
I look forward to you joining us on Saturday, October 20 as we charter this newest organization supporting the Veterans and citizens of Bourbon County.
If you wish to join the SAL , but are unable to attend our organizational meeting, please contact me. God, family and work should always come before Legion activities. I will work with you on your membership application.
Feel free to share this email with family and friends who may be interested in the Sons of the American Legion.
